Bordered rugs feature a decorative band, commonly known as a border, that runs along the edges. This border is a secondary layer of pattern that encircles the rug, not just an embellishment, but a visual cue marking where the rug ends. The thickness of the border varies significantly from one model to another, directly impacting how the rug appears in a room.
The visible inner area is not the entire measurement
On a bordered rug, the area where the pattern is freely visible is the space contained within the border. This means that compared to a borderless rug of the same dimensions, the inner surface appears smaller. A model with a thick border might look cramped in a small room, while thin-bordered models give the impression of utilizing the entire measurement. When deciding, consider not just the outer dimensions but also the border's thickness. Instead of visually estimating, a more reliable method is to look at the rug's short edge in the product image. To visualize the remaining space in your room beforehand, you can use our rug size calculator.
Ensure furniture doesn't obscure the border
- If the rug is completely exposed, the entire border will be visible; this provides the cleanest look.
- If only the front legs of a sofa are on the rug, the border will still be fully visible.
- If one side of the rug rests against a wall, the border on that side will be hidden; to maintain symmetry, the rug should be moved slightly away from the wall.
- If the sofa set completely covers the rug, a large portion of the border will be obscured. In this case, a medallion rug, which concentrates its design in the center, might be a more suitable choice.
Is the border color or the field color more important?
The field color establishes the room's overall tone, while the border acts as an accent. Starting with the field color to match wall and furniture tones, and then allowing the border to provide contrast, works well in most rooms.
How many different bordered models are available?
We list 3,054 bordered models, predominantly machine-woven with polyester and polypropylene yarns. Options vary in border thickness, field pattern, and color intensity.
What are the shipping and return conditions?
Orders are shipped within 1-3 business days, with 14-day unconditional returns and a 12-month manufacturer's warranty. For care instructions, please refer to our rug care guide page.